India limited overs cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Wednesday said that Olympic medals will remain elusive for the the country until the couch loving youth turn to outdoor sport.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni , who now only plays ODIs and T20s, has a long break from international cricket with India hosting England for a five-match Test series till December 20.(Subhendu Ghosh/HT Photo)

India limited overs cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni day said that Olympic medals will remain elusive for the the country until the couch loving youth turn to outdoor sport.

“We have to throw the kids out of the house to play sport. It will not only help them stay active but also help them in their academics,” said Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the announcement of the a tie up between Seven, a lifestyle brand named after him, and Jabong.

“We often say we don’t win medals at Olympics. But we don’t realise how many of our youth is playing outdoor sport. A lot of the kids are hooked to electronic gadgets. So my suggestion to all the parents is throw your children out of the house. Let them play in the heat. Let them find their own way,” he said.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni flew in here from Spain, where he was part of another promotional event.

The 35-year-old, who now only plays ODIs and T20s, has a long break from international cricket with India hosting England for a five-match Test series till December 20.

Before the limited overs series against England begins on January 15, Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be seen in action during domestic one-day tournament.